MONDAY. MORNING. Water Safety Training at the Graf Pool.

Water Safety Training starts too early . . . is tough . . . and doesn't last long enough.

Following an MRE breakfast, the camp battalion reported to the Grafenwöhr City Waldbad. The Commandant gave the cadets a quick orientation and cadets got into the water. Wet ACUs add additional weight to support in the water and we wanted the cadets to know that.

The cadets learned how to inflate their ACUs to stay afloat. Some got it right away; it took some time for others. We weren't trying to recruit Navy SEALs here, just provide some familiarization.

Non-swimmers had their chance too . . . standing in the water and learning how they can inflate ACUs.

Then came the tower.

Five meters off the water . . . every cadet was challenged to step off. Looks easy from the deck. Different story from the top. The Camp Commander was in charge at the top of the tower. He gave instructions and encouragement. Hold your nose; arms close; legs together and point toes south to the water. Some cadets had to be encouraged . . . no cadet was required to jump . . . but every one of them mustered up enough courage to trust their ability.